PURPOSE: To evaluate effectiveness of alcohol sclerosis combined with percutaneous catheter drainage (PCD) for treatment of infected bulla. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Infected bulla in four consecutive patients were treated. In all patients, percutaneous catheter drainage of the bulla was performed. Instillation of sterile alcohol (99% ethanol) was carried out into the cavity of the bulla. Alcohol was left in the cavity for approximately 30 minutes in each session. Alcohol instillation was repeated according to the size of bulla. Patients were subsequently followed up with serial chest radiographs and CT scans. RESULTS: All patients showed significant improvement both clinically and radiologically. Disappearance of the bulla and reexpansion of surrounding lung parenchyma was observed in two patients and partial resolution (80% reduction in size) was seen in another two patients. Complications included mild chest pain during instillation of alcohol in all patients and delayed radiating shoulder pain in one patient. CONCLUSION: We provisionally conclude that intracavitary alcohol instillation combined with PCD is effective in the treatment of the infected bulla.
Catheters* ; Chest Pain ; Drainage* ; Humans ; Lung ; Radiography, Thoracic ; Sclerosis* ; Shoulder Pain ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed